Questions about a Stitchmatic Electric sewing machine
 

Hello to all the wise people who contribute to this forum. I was out of town this weekend and happened across an antique/thrift/junk store. There were quite a few vintage machines and of course I held my breath everytime I opened a table! I found this really pretty metallic blue sewing machine labeled as a Stitchmatic Electric. It is in incredible cosmetic condition and the table really only needs to be cleaned and maybe waxed or varnished; not one single water stain on the top, I don't think a plant ever sat on it! I know this is a clone of something.

We got it plugged in and nothing happened. I flipped the toggle switch for the light and nothing. The belt is present and in good condition but isn't hooked up to the motor. The motor turned freely and so did the machine head. The needle went up and down when I turned the flywheel. There just didn't seem to be any juice going to it. I didn't see any frayed wiring at all and it appeared that everything was plugged in where it was supposed to be. There isn't an owner's manual.

I really like the looks of the machine and the color too and I like the table. I'm going to put out a white flag to the masterminds here to ask if it is worth going back for? The price:$10.00, yep ten one dollar bills!!!! We didn't have room in the car or I probably would have gone ahead and bought it. So does anybody have any input????

Under the cabinet you'll most likely find a cord block with two outlets in it. One will be marked "light" and the other "motor". One cord will come out each end. The end with the light outlet will go to the wall outlet, the other to the knee controller.

Either the motor and light cords are unplugged, or there is a broken wire in the cord set. Use a regular extension cord and plug in the light first. If it doesn't light up, check the bulb. Then 'briefly' plug in the motor. It should take off like a banshie. That will tell you where the problem is. Machine, or cord block.

Joe

Thanks Joe! I did see the cord block and there was 2 cords plugged in. I made sure that both were plugged into the block but we didn't unplug them and check them individually.

I did find from some light research on the internet that this machine was made by a company in Indianapolis which is 2 hours south of me and only about an hour west of where this machine is at.

That's a beautiful clone modeled after Singer model 15. You will love it. I'm sure we can all help you find where the problem lies. Most likely it's something simple!!

Feel free to post the pictures of your Japanese 15 Clone here:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...p-t164361.html
Lots of info, links and lots of pictures.

Thanks for the link Miriam; I just browsed all 15 pages. I haven't gotten the Stitchmatic yet. After conversing with Joe I'm going to go back this weekend and pick her up. Too pretty to sit closed up in a junk shop corner!!

I just bought a Stitchmatic Electric sewing machine in a desk/table - $35.00 on Craigs List in Portland, OR. I am hoping to get it running tomorrow but I would appreciate any info I can get on this make and model. I am not having much luck on Google.

You may not see another one marked stitchmatic. They are ALL 15 clones - all of them have the same insides. They all are threaded the same. They take the same instruction manual. I just got rid of one exactly like that stitchmatic. It was called a Vogue. I think you may need to read more about the 15s before you write off finding the exact manual or exact info.